L'Aventure

‘Utterly charming’ L’Aventure has all the ingredients of a French histoire d’amour. Fairy lights twinkle on the idyllic summer terrace, & the intimate dining room encourages diners to cosy up. The delightful front-of-house team, headed by the effervescent patronne Catherine, inject a Gallic sense of occasion & do a fine job of translating the handwritten menu to their captivated audience. The repertoire hasn’t strayed far from its bistro roots since the 1980s. Everything is present & correct, from a laudable foie gras terrine to mains of juicy duck breast & pink rack of lamb with garlic purée – a house speciality. The apple tarte & petite crème brûlées are superb, & the menu has a valuable selection of recommended wines jotted at the top. Those with money to burn can take their pick from France’s celebrated grand crus & finish off with an excellent stickie from Sauternes.